50 Things No Woman Should Ever Say After 50

50 Things No Woman Should Ever Say After 50

They say that with age comes wisdom, but that doesn’t always mean maturity is part of the package, too. In fact, as 50 rapidly becomes the new 40, 50-somethings are seeming and acting younger than ever—for better or for worse. While, in some cases, that means the over-50 set is healthier, more active, and full of more joie de vivre than those who went before them, in others, it means their vocabulary is routinely being peppered with language that’s nothing short of cringe-inducing.

“People in general, as they get older should use and express a more mature vocabulary in general as a natural succession of age and maturity,” says etiquette coach Karen Thomas, founder of Karen Thomas Etiquette.

Thomas cautions specifically against older people using too much slang in their speech: “While believing us 50-somethings are ‘hip’ and in the know, you could be drawing more attention to your age than you'd like to. While I myself use slang rarely when speaking, everyone regardless of age should attempt to sound educated and mature—not rude and sassy!”

But if you don’t want your language to make you the most embarrassing member of your family, you’ve got time to clean up your act. We’ve compiled a compendium of things no woman over 50 should say. And for more ways to scrub your vocabulary, check out these 40 Words That Will Instantly Reveal Your True Age.